Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as Treatment for Persistent PTSD in Texas Youth

Trauma is a common occurrence among youth. Almost 60% of American youths experience a traumatic event before age 18, such as physical or sexual abuse, sudden loss of caregivers, or witnessing violence in the community or the home. Distress after a significantly traumatic event is to be expected, but for some youths, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) linger for months or years, and can become chronic if left untreated. Symptoms of PTSD can include upsetting memories, avoidance of reminders, and emotional numbing, and other symptoms. These symptoms can create difficulties for family relationships, friendships, and schoolwork. Currently, the most effective treatment for PTSD is talk therapy (trauma-focused psychotherapy). However, sometimes young people continue to have symptoms of PTSD after completing talk therapy, and it is currently not known the best way to help with these persistent symptoms.

In this study, the total length of time participants will be involved in the study is about 16-weeks. During that time, participants will be asked to attend approximately 6 research visits and 10 treatment visits, for a total of 16 visits. The 6 research visits include a screening visit, an interview visit, 2 MRI visits, and 2 follow-up visits. The screening, interview, and follow-up visits can be completed virtually, over zoom. The study will include 2 MRI visits and 10 treatment visits. Virtual follow-up visits will be conducted 1 and 3 months after completion of treatment and will include interviews and questionnaires about participants symptoms.